Afroderp
Newly Enlightened
Hi folks.
The checklist should narrow it down quite a bit, but I am looking for a new light to add to my EDC. I've had a 5.11 tactical A.T.A.C penlight and a surefire stylus pro, but I feel like it is time to upgrade to something stronger than 69 lumens. I like the greater spread of light from the ATAC over a strong spot from the surefire, but I want something with range as well. I'd like a selectable mode switch on the tail, and I do NOT like the ones that you can select by rotating the head quarter turns. I need a pocket clip, and I want something I can throw into my pocket, so nothing gigantic. As far as battery power goes, something conventional like AA's are easier, but I am absolutely okay and open to any other options such as CR123 and anything else. I can already tell that this is going to be an addictive hobby!
Thanks in advance!
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
- This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
- Up to $100.
3) Format:
- I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
- SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
- LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
- I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
7) What power source do you want to use? [Any of these work. I just don't want anything crazy exotic]
- I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
- I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
- I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
- I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option [Once again, anything will work. Just cost prohibitive, really.]
- I don't care
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience). [I want the ability to choose levels, but I would like something with a max output of at least 200 lumens, if not more. Depends on size factor and availability, obviously.)
- I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
- SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
- Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
- Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
- Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
- 5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
- 30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
- 50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
- 90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
- 3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
- Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
- Any size switch will do.
- I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
- I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
- I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
- I don't know.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply. [A strobe is not essential, but something that I would like to have. Same with the multiple light levels. Realistically, I only need two levels; Close range/Long range. I would like a selector ring, however]
- I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
- I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
- I want a selector ring.
- (optional) I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
14)Material/Finish/Coating
- Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
- Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
- Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
- I don't care.
15) Water resistance [Would need to resist rain.]
- IPX4 (Splash resistant)
- IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
16) Storage conditions
- In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
- Pocket/belt clip
- [not necessary] Crenulated bezel
The checklist should narrow it down quite a bit, but I am looking for a new light to add to my EDC. I've had a 5.11 tactical A.T.A.C penlight and a surefire stylus pro, but I feel like it is time to upgrade to something stronger than 69 lumens. I like the greater spread of light from the ATAC over a strong spot from the surefire, but I want something with range as well. I'd like a selectable mode switch on the tail, and I do NOT like the ones that you can select by rotating the head quarter turns. I need a pocket clip, and I want something I can throw into my pocket, so nothing gigantic. As far as battery power goes, something conventional like AA's are easier, but I am absolutely okay and open to any other options such as CR123 and anything else. I can already tell that this is going to be an addictive hobby!
Thanks in advance!
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
- This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
- Up to $100.
3) Format:
- I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
- SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
- LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
- I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
7) What power source do you want to use? [Any of these work. I just don't want anything crazy exotic]
- I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
- I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
- I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
- I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option [Once again, anything will work. Just cost prohibitive, really.]
- I don't care
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience). [I want the ability to choose levels, but I would like something with a max output of at least 200 lumens, if not more. Depends on size factor and availability, obviously.)
- I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
- SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
- Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
- Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
- Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
- 5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
- 30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
- 50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
- 90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
- 3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
- Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
- Any size switch will do.
- I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
- I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
- I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
- I don't know.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply. [A strobe is not essential, but something that I would like to have. Same with the multiple light levels. Realistically, I only need two levels; Close range/Long range. I would like a selector ring, however]
- I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
- I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
- I want a selector ring.
- (optional) I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
14)Material/Finish/Coating
- Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
- Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
- Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
- I don't care.
15) Water resistance [Would need to resist rain.]
- IPX4 (Splash resistant)
- IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
16) Storage conditions
- In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
- Pocket/belt clip
- [not necessary] Crenulated bezel
